The Jew from Kuwait

Growing up in Kuwait, I had the best of everything. My father owned a successful construction company, and provided us five children with amenities like piano lessons, swimming, calligraphy and trips all over the world. Although we were Muslims like everyone else, we were totally secular and my father always aimed to shield us from religious people whom he described as crazies.

I grew up being told that Israelis and Jews were the lowest type of creature in existence, put on Earth only to kill us Arabs. In math class the teacher would say, “If one rocket killed X number of Jews, how many would six rockets kill?”

My father was rabidly anti-Israel. He was a product of Nasser's school of thought: secular from a Muslim point of view, yet deeply dedicated to the idea of pan-Arab unity. Israel, he believed, was an American proxy in the post-colonial Middle East.

My father was a supporter of the PLO since the 1960s when Yasser Arafat (who founded the PLO while living in Kuwait) was raising money from wealthy Palestinians working in Gulf States. As an engineer, my father participated in a program where the engineering association in Kuwait would deduct money from his monthly salary to be sent directly to the PLO. He insisted that war and resistance was the only way to deal with Israel.

In the summer of 1990, when I was 12 years old, our lives changed completely. We were on vacation when Saddam Hussein invaded and annexed Kuwait. My father's business – along with much of the country – was ravaged. Our savings became worthless pieces of paper. We could not go back to Kuwait, so we immigrated to Canada. My father did manage to sneak back in for a few days to retrieve important business documents that would later be useful in recovering compensation from a United Nations fund.

Prayers in the Dark

Of my family, I’m the only one who stayed in Canada. My father never really adjusted to life in the New World, and he had good business contacts back in Jordan, so my parents returned there. All my siblings also moved back to the Middle East.

One evening in 2003, I was studying at the university library in London, Ontario, when I happened to notice an older man. From his chassidic garb, he looked like a religious Jew. My curiosity was aroused, so I approached him and asked, "Are you Jewish?"

With a gentle smile on his face, he said, "No, but I like to dress this way." I didn't know whether he was joking or not. All the religious people I had come across in the past were pretty scary. Are Jews supposed to be funny?

His name was Dr. Yitzhak Block, a retired professor of philosophy. We exchanged a few words and then he asked about my background. My family history is pretty complex, and I get a headache every time I have to explain it all. So I simply told him that I'm an Arab from Kuwait, and mentioned that my grandmother from my mother’s side is Jewish.

My mother’s parents met in Jerusalem when my grandfather, an Arab from the West Bank, was serving in the Jordanian army fighting the Zionists. He was 18 years old and my grandmother was 16. Her father ran a school in Jerusalem – the same school where she would jump off the wall to meet my handsome, uniformed grandfather. They fell in love, got married, and lived for a number of years in Shechem (Nablus).

After my grandfather was discharged from the Jordanian army, the family moved to Kuwait, where oil profits were fueling huge business and construction projects. That’s where my mother met my father and got married.

Knowing about my grandmother’s Jewish background always made me curious about Jews. Whenever we were on vacation in Amman, Jordan, I used to constantly watch the Israeli channel – when my parents weren't around. My favorite was the Israeli national anthem, and I would stay up late waiting to hear them play it at the end of the TV transmission.

Standing there in the university library, this religious Jew, Dr. Block, looked at me and said, “In Muslim law, you’re considered Muslim, since the religion goes by the father. But according to Jewish law, you’re Jewish, since Jewish identity is transmitted by the mother.”

My head started to spin and memories of my childhood in Kuwait began to surface. I recalled how my grandmother had a funny name on her documents, Mizrachi, which I never heard before. She also had a small prayer book with Hebrew letters, and she prayed in the dark crying. (I thought the Wailing Wall was so named because crying was a part of prayer.)

Aside from a vague family legend, my grandmother never mentioned anything about being Jewish – but now the pieces were fitting into place. I thanked Dr. Block for the conversation, and ran home to tell my roommate what I heard. He smiled and said, “So you're a Mus-Jew!” I was not amused.

I went to my room and called my mother. She rebuffed the story, saying, "Don't listen to people like that. We are Muslims and that's that."

I decided to call my grandmother myself and bring up the subject.

I beat around the bush a bit – after all, she’d been denying it for the past 50 years – and then finally blurted out, “Grandma, are you Jewish?”

She didn’t answer the question directly, but she started crying and spoke about the years of Arab-Israeli conflict. She told me how her brother Zaki had been killed in Jerusalem before the rebirth of the State. To me that was sufficient confirmation of her Jewishness and I decided to leave it at that.

Over the next few months, I avoided the whole issue of Judaism, mainly for the sake of not upsetting my mother. Besides, I was just finishing university, and career was my main priority. I was content with telling myself that I belonged to a mixed-faith family.

Streaming Tears

About a year later, I was rollerblading one day in my neighborhood when I took a hard fall and badly sprained my wrist. The road was smooth so I couldn't figure out why I had fallen. I couldn’t stop thinking that it seemed like a push from Above. These thoughts caught me by surprise, since I wasn't into spirituality and I never had any religious connection. I was a bodybuilder, had tons of friends, and was on the heels of a successful career as a foreign exchange trader. So why had this happened?

Because my wrist was heavily bandaged, I was forced to take off work for a few days. Dr. Block had mentioned the name of his synagogue, so that Saturday morning, I decided to go check out the scene. I was hesitant at the thought of everyone being from European background and me the only Middle Easterner, but I decided to go anyway.

I called a cab and got dropped off at the synagogue. As I walked in, the first person I saw looked Indian. He shook my hand, said “Shabbat Shalom,” and handed me a kippah. Then I saw a black man which really surprised me. And Dr. Block was there, too.

I was handed a prayer book, shown the proper page, and before I knew it everyone was singing, V'Shamru:

"And the Children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, to make the Sabbath an eternal covenant for their generations. Between Me and the Children of Israel, it is a sign forever that in six days God made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day He rested and was refreshed."

Something hit me and I felt as though I knew this song. I just stood there taking in the sounds, the smells and the sights. Everything felt whole and perfect. It was the opposite of everything I'd ever heard about Jews or Judaism. At this point my tears were streaming in freefall.

It was the opposite of everything I'd heard about Jews.

After the services finished, I met everyone over Kiddush. I spoke with an Egyptian couple and we shared our personal stories. Jews from all backgrounds were gathered together and I was another piece of this puzzle.

After Kiddush, I accepted Dr. Block’s invitation to join him for lunch. I told him: “I can’t believe I'm here, singing and praying in Hebrew. I could never have imagined it.”

He smiled and said, "It's not so hard to believe. Every Jew is born with a little Torah and a little Menorah inside.” He then pressed his shoulder up against mine and said, “All it takes is for another Jew to bump into him and light it up."

Dreams of Peace

My interest grew from there, and I began studying Torah and keeping Shabbat. Last year I spent a month in Israel touring and studying on Aish HaTorah’s Jerusalem Fellowships program. It was a great “homecoming.”

I still keep in close contact with my family and old friends. They’re wonderful people and I love them very much. Yet it’s hard to relate to them on many levels. In the Arab world there are tons of misconceptions and misinformation regarding Israel. So I am working to develop a program to educate Arabs about Jews and Judaism, to dissolve the stereotypes propagated by the Muslim media and schools. I hope that my unique background can help bridge some of that divide.

Another way I hope to achieve this is to help establish economic relations between Israel and Arab countries. That would create trust and shared experience, which could be directed toward the goal of a genuine and lasting peace.

Another issue I’m trying to address is how the Arab world is filled with Holocaust denial. This past summer I went to Auschwitz, and I am working to produce the first-ever Arabic documentary about the Holocaust. I want to explain to Muslims in their own language exactly what happened.

It often seems like the Arab-Israeli conflict is intractable. Yet I believe in today’s world, there is a real opportunity for a breakthrough. Arabs today have a more universal education, which makes them more open and curious. Also they are meeting Israelis and Jews in their travels around the world, which breaks down misconceptions. And as we saw during the recent protests in Iran, many young people in the Muslim world are yearning for reform. On top of all this, they have high-speed Internet access which opens up all kinds of new avenues of communication, and the possibility of forming new friendships unrestricted by borders or political agendas. Perhaps this can be the basis of a grassroots movement to mend relations and hopefully one day achieve peace.

My Jewish cousins are all living as Muslims in the Middle East.

The other issue that needs urgent attention is intermarriage in Israel. Unfortunately, a story like my grandmother's is not so rare. Many young Jewish women are wooed by Arab men and brought back to live in their villages. The children and grandchildren are never told the truth, especially with political tensions and the emotional unrest this would cause a family. As a result, many Jews are lost to our people. My mother has five sisters, and from there I have a few dozen cousins who are all Jewish – all living as Muslims in the Middle East. I recently met a seventh-generation Israeli, whose cousin married a Palestinian and went to live in Saudi Arabia; her descendents are Jews living in Saudi Arabia.

All my relatives know that I’m practicing Judaism, and for the most part they’re accepting. I can talk to them about Judaism and they’re politely interested. We love and respect each other. My father is resistant, however, given that secularism and war against Israel are the two ideological pillars of his life. When I first became interested in Judaism, I didn’t tell him straight out. We were having a political discussion and I mentioned that I support the State of Israel. That ignited a big clash and I’ve learned to only discuss these matters with him in an indirect way. I always know when I’ve crossed the line; he gets angry and calls me a “Zionist.”

The other big exception – not surprisingly – is my grandmother. I’ve asked her a number of times for more information about her family background, but she refuses to talk about it. Maybe one day I will find the key to opening her up.

Growing up, I was taught that Jews were the source of all evil, descended from monkeys and pigs. On the other hand, I had the image of my grandmother holding her small prayer book with the Hebrew letters, praying with tender devotion. She is the sweetest person I know and there's no way she came from a bloodthirsty gang of murderers. She gave me a Jewish soul, and in her own way, it was she who kept my Jewish spark alive.

Through repression torture and fear too many people have the same situation till now I have relatives they denied.one of them told me who support us, Around us they hate the word jews no any country accept us like nation intros area in the schools in all islamic countries there is no any good sentence about israel and jews . I think peoples like you and me must educate other

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Dennis,
November 28, 2014 10:34 PM

Yes

I can relate to your "journey" Born a Christian in the Philippines, went to Catholic schools. In 2005, my brother in law introduced us to Judaism and became a Noahide. One doesn't have to be a Jew to believe in one G-d Hashem and the Torah and be save.

(166)
Anonymous,
November 24, 2014 9:35 AM

Blessed

I am so blessed today to have come cross this article . I was raised as a muslim as well .ever since a young age I have noticed most Jewish people do not hold as much hate towards Muslims as Muslims do to Jews . With that being said I don't blame Islam as you said I blame the brain washing and the close mindedness of some in the arab world .I would like to thank you for sharing and I am also trying to look for you on Facebook

(165)
Philene,
September 11, 2014 2:37 AM

Beautiful Story

Your story was so engrossing, and at the end really brought tears to my eyes. I also have more of an understanding about what the Arab community is going through with the extremist takeovers and how Jews are depicted. How moving to find your Grandmother was Jewish and you knew in your heart the connection. All I can say is Wow...this story really hit my heartstrings.

(164)
nach shon,
August 18, 2014 12:51 AM

how many more?

there must be 100's or 1000's of such that could/should return, if only they knew & that it is safe to do so.

(163)
David,
July 23, 2014 11:52 AM

G-d Bless you sir

what a story!

(162)
yonatan,
December 24, 2013 2:20 PM

Mark you're awesome!!

When you marry IY"H make sure Aish publishes the details so we can all come!

Your story is amazing. May H' bless you and your family - whether Muslim or Jewish (and apparently a bit of both), they clearly produced a fine person with strength, heart and an open mind. Tislam, akhenu.

(159)
וה'ד טמאד,
May 17, 2012 6:49 AM

I have the same background and history!

It's amazing to hear this story since i have the same background as you do.I too grew up in a Muslim family and my father is the same as yours he too was a product of Nassers school of thought..I was raised as a Palestinian and my family kept the true origin of our clan away from me but after digging and researching my family's background i discovered not only were we not Arabs but Jewish in origiMy family turned out to be Jewish Kurd's who have resided among the Muslim population of Jerusalem and Judea Sumeria for the past 100 years on my mothers side.My fathers tribe can be traced back to Ephriam son of Joseph one of the 12 tribe's of Israel.Next time you visit Yurshalim your more then welcome at home dear brother.May Hashim bless and keep you.

yonatan,
December 24, 2013 2:18 PM

that's amazing!!

where do you live? are you now practicing Judaism?

(158)
Silky,
May 13, 2012 1:05 PM

Hatzlacha raba

Welcome home, back to your family. May Hashem always guide you in the right direction.

(157)
Anonymous,
May 3, 2012 11:12 AM

I hope Allah has mercy upon you, you are lucky your father has not disowned you

(156)
Jacqui Burne,
November 23, 2011 6:47 AM

Your story gave me goosebumps.

(155)
YEHUDAH,
October 24, 2011 7:37 PM

Kol Hakavod!

Kol Hakavod!

(154)
Anonymous,
August 11, 2011 3:46 PM

Twins?

I feel that you are my twin!
I have the same experience here in Morocco! My grandmother was Jewish, and I am practicing Judaism now in a Muslim family.
Can I have your email or something?
Thanks!

(153)
Corinne Joy,
July 19, 2011 1:24 PM

Encouragement from Corinne - 19.7.2011

What a wonderfully moving experience and how inspiringly Mark recounts it and describes how he plans to 'build upon' such a background, so inclusively and constructively! Col ha cavod! God still "moves in mysterious ways, His wonders to perform ..."! Corinne

(152)
Darlene,
February 4, 2011 5:51 AM

Internet and Peace

For every manmade invention there are good uses and bad. Fire gives warmth and light and brings in the holiness of Shabbat (the Sabbath). It can also be used to destroy. I pray that those who see the good in the internet will truly be able to use it to spread peace and goodness.

(151)
Annie,
August 24, 2010 4:06 AM

and his story gets better...

but I'm not at liberty to comment further on Mark's story
you're a fine young man, and you should find your shidduch soon - she'll have to be stiff necked - like the rest of us!
thanks for coming to our seuda shlishit - A:)

(150)
Anonymous,
June 12, 2010 3:51 PM

kol hakavod!!

(149)
Chana,
April 22, 2010 6:18 PM

What an amazing story! and Mark must be such a special person...
IKudos to always printing such interesting articles!

(148)
Anonymous,
April 22, 2010 2:00 AM

Professor Block

Astounding story - but I'm not surprised by the role Dr. Block played in it. He is a fine man, a Chabad Chassid who it a Ba'al Teshuva of the Lubavitcher Rebbe and has been inspiring Jews (apparently at least one who didn't even KNOW he was Jewish!) for nearly 50 years!

(147)
Patti Knight,
April 6, 2010 4:36 PM

People can defy government to be human and kind.

Education is the only way! Our family and their friends come from Baghdad, Iraq. They started coming in the 1920's and in the 1950's if all Jews didn't leave Iraq, they were hung. My father read in the local New York paper one day that this man had been hung because he was a traitor. My father said he wasn't a traitor but a Jew. He was from one of the wealthiest families in Iraq. My parents' had another friend, a Doctor, who with his family fled during that time. His wife came back to Iraq, with her 3 children, dressed in a Berka like an Arab women. His patients who he had treated for years, help her get her money & leave the country safely with her children. We were always told, Never trust an Arab by some of our relatives, yet, people are human, kind and compassionate when they are touched by kindness. Human beings can feel & learn but it is not easy.
However, there is a reverse to this. Back about 15 years ago in a school out on Long Island, New York, a new 6 grade student was brought into a classroom. The teacher introduced the male student and the class said hello. The teacher asked the student to sit in a designated seat in one of the rows. The student took a minute or two to look around and started screaming. Don't sit me near a girl! I won't sit near a girl. This philosophy was ingrained in him from the beginning. I don't know the ending and I don't know if he ever sat near a girl. But I do know that certain ingrained beliefs are hard to change. However, I believe that the internet and education will start to peel off all the many layers of hate. We can only hope that one day, there will be peace. It will not be in my lifetime, but maybe somewhere? PK

(146)
Anonymous,
March 11, 2010 5:49 AM

I applaud your optimism although I can't concur, but I'm willing to help you achieve your goal(s), even though the politics will tear you asunder. it's tribal, deeply rooted, at the core of every male ego and has been from the beginning of (wo)man kind.

(145)
Janette Olmedo,
February 17, 2010 2:17 PM

You are a prayer that has come into being. I am so delighted and greatly encouraged to hear your beautiful story. I continue to pray for the peace of Jerusalem and all those deceived by lies and hate. I will uphold you, your family and those you meet in prayer. May hearts be open and receptive to what you have to say.

(144)
,
February 13, 2010 7:35 PM

I do npt kno wwhat to say, my mother told me of this story but reading it has touched me deeply. Politics is a dangerous arena nothing is clear cut and no room of understanding is reserved for reason and rational. If abraham was to see us now i couldnt imagine the disapoinment on our fathers face.

(143)
Anonymous,
January 18, 2010 7:38 PM

Wow!

Your family story brings tears to my eyes since I can relate in so many levels. I found my Jewish heritage from a different end, and since I live in a free society, I am blessed to have wonderful friends of Muslim faith. I am amazed with your courage to practice Judaism. I think there are values that don't need to be labeled for our hearts to know they are the right ones. May you and your children be blessed and may your journey of peace and friendship flourish. Hatred is a big burden, and no one Muslim child deserves such burden! I pray that Muslims are liberated from all their oppressing governments who are any man's worst enemy. Welcome back!

(142)
Alice,
January 14, 2010 4:41 AM

Wonderful!!!

Bless you!!!!
There are so many of us out there with a single Jewish grandparent. Imagine what it would be like if we all came home to Judaism? I'm located in Australia - if there is anything I can do to help you with your work please contact me via the email left for the web editor.

(141)
Shelly K. Sydney, Australia,
January 12, 2010 9:26 AM

THANK YOU FOR YOU

Dear Mark
I have to salute your courage, your openess in life & your willingness to share this special, special story. It is so important to listen to, and act on our truth, and stories like this ignite it in others. Thank you. Moreso is your superior placement to act on it and the steps you are putting in place. G-d certainly has a special role for you. May you be blessed in your work to break down the hatred and pure lies. To face G-d one day and know you have played a role in peace on earth is an extremely meaningful existence. I wish you green lights and support in all you may do. It can be a hard job. Please don't give up. The world needs this.
Why do some in the Arab world have to put forward Jews in such a terrible way? I simply don't understand it. Surely people who perpetrate these lies only show their stupidity and undermine the intelligence of those they pass it on to.
Furthermore to brain wash and try take away a persons free choice is like stealing who they are. It does not celebrate the uniqueness of a person and their right to be who they are.
I hope Judaism will give you the happiness you deserve. Please, never force yourself to do religious acts. Let it come from the love inside and connect with G-d whether it be at the Kotel, in the sea or connecting with any of G-ds wonderful creations. The sunlight through a tree is G-d speaking to us too.
Wishing you all the best
Shelly K.

(140)
Perla Meszen-Toronto,
January 3, 2010 6:07 PM

Truely moving

The world needs a lot of people like you.
Hope you can break the labelling barrier for a better tomorrow for the entire world.
Keep up the good work that will encourage others to surface and face reality and kindness for others.
May your light continue lighting and help light the kindness and peace that we all carry with us.

(139)
Anonymous,
December 28, 2009 2:25 AM

stories of jews who come back to judaism always bring joy to my life. your story, mark, is amazing and for what you have done you should be appluaded and praised! keep up the great work!

(138)
Olga Z.,
December 24, 2009 8:10 PM

Mark, reading your story is an emotional journey, bringing both tears and hope. I think that you, with your fine education, open-mindedness and tolerant attitude, can achieve more than politicians in bringing about a permanent peace between Arabs and Israelis, Muslims and Jews. Both sides will trust you because you are a composite of both. I hope you will continue to pursue your dream because it has such immense possibility. I also hope that your grandmother will tell you all about her life and family before she married your grandfather because it will be healing for her and important for you to know. I think she is just waiting for the right moment.

(137)
Lisa T.,
December 15, 2009 2:09 PM

Why not an Arabic Language Aish.com site ?

If it wasn't for Aish ,I don't think I would have become the Jew I am today.My Mother and Grandmother lived in a German community in Mich.and I was raised as an American w/no knowledge of my heritage until My Mother was dying.So there I was ,a 20 something with a tiny lit menorah inside of me,and looking inward to the Torah ,I always knew was inside me (I searched and rejected a ton of religions!)I know EXACTLY what he feels like,asimilated and searching for something you SENSE is there!(very relevant at Hanukkah)The first time I picked up a prayer book in an Orthodox Temple I cried my eyes out as the words came off my tongue effortlessly!If this young man could help start a multilingual site(perhaps Farsi too) that might give hope, and guidence to Arabic Jews it would be a great miracle!Maybe even save someone with no hope!(He who saves one life, saves the world entire!)It seems to be the time to extend an olive branch,there is alot of curiousity (In all peoples all over)calling for answers about us, and ignorance only perpetuates hatred towards us! Besides they ARE our cousins.Maybe they are feeling THEIR callings from Torah and Menorah..Shalom

(136)
Benjamin Bett,
December 14, 2009 9:36 AM

Incredible, Inspiring Story

I have a jewish name but that's because of my christian background but I am not jewish nor from the middle east. I come from Kenya and an African at that. Reading your story is really inspiring and it shows the damage the media can do to the social fabric. The sad thing is that the media misinformation is both ways: I have worked in Islam countries where I initially went in knowing that I was about to deal with a barrage of extreme fundamentalism but this was not the case. The CNN/BBC axis has drilled in us that Islam is synonymous with terror yet there are many Muslim friends I have who are as angry as I am with terror in the name of Islam. I hope that one day you will find the strength to bring these two warring worlds of Judaism and Islam together into a world of peace, harmony and tranquility. Your mixed faith background places you at a vantage point to go to such previously untrodden ideologies.

(135)
Anonymous,
December 12, 2009 6:25 PM

Marvellous. I have lived in Jerusalem and now live in Kuwait. KW is home but J'lem is HOME for similar reasons to yours. I knew the songs and prayers. I felt at home in the streets and understood the humor. Great article

(134)
nancy,
December 12, 2009 8:13 AM

You may feel that your "Jewish" relatives have been lost into the Arab world and Muslim belief, but remember and always be grateful for your own enlightenment-He has never lost one of His own-you are the living proof of that!

(133)
Mikhael,
December 10, 2009 11:43 PM

Welcome back to your Jewish family, and I am happy also that you have good relations with your Muslim/Arab family

I'm happy that you are a Jew who has returned to his family roots and people. It's a good thing that you have not severed all contact with your Muslim relatives. I am sure you will be a good example to them. You have a difficult path to follow of honoring your father--an important mitzva--and being a Jew. I am sure you will do well!

(132)
Rivka,
December 10, 2009 10:12 PM

Welcome back...

It's very nice that you found your roots, and it's even nicer that you are trying to show the muslims and arab countries the beautiful picture of our Israel, but be careful...I'm from a orthodox Jewish family, I grew up in Iran and I'm familiar with the way they brainwash people regarding Jews, Israel, and Holocaust( as a matter of fact we never learned anything about holocaust). In my opinion, you shouldn't put yourself in danger.
Good luck.

(131)
Imdaad Ghori,
December 10, 2009 6:07 AM

I Believe in Judaism

In the Arab world there are tons of misconceptions and misinformation regarding Israel. So I am working to develop a program to educate Arabs about Jews and Judaism, to dissolve the stereotypes propagated by the Muslim media and schools. I hope that my unique background can help bridge some of that divide.
BROTHER,,, certainly I am also willing to do something in Hyderabad - India,,.hope you may be helpful to me..even in Indian Muslims there are similar kind of misconceptions about Jews and Judaism.. I would like to spread the truth about GOD ELOHIM over these lands..May lord God help me. .

(130)
,
December 10, 2009 3:11 AM

Mensches are everywhere. It is very important that you are who you are doing whatever you are doing. You are an ambassador as are we all. I wish you the greatest possible suceess on all levels of your endeavors.

(129)
Joshua,
December 10, 2009 2:26 AM

Amazing

The world needs more heros like you you Mark.You get that zionist remark also eh?Welcome to the club.A zionist here who supports Iranians in their bid for freedom.

I believe there's something like "cell memory", you don't know who you are until your menora gets lit. I was a Russian girl, living my life, until my grandmother died. After the ceremony, we were prepared to leave, but someone, unknown, stepped ahead and started saying something I couldn't understand. But somehow, I did undertstand. It was like an explosion of fire from inside - I knew, I understood the words (or they were not words?)

(126)
Imdaad Ghori Syed,
December 9, 2009 8:16 AM

My lifes greatest achievement

Hi brother, i am muslim from India, born in a typically orthodox muslim family and raised as a practicing muslims with tonns of knowledge about islam,, you know i was astonished when i read TORAH and its almost 1 year i have been a JEW now, God bless me.. Imdaad

(125)
Ari Stotleman,
December 8, 2009 2:37 AM

G-d bless you,

you have your work cut out for you. Stay safe, the world needs you.

(124)
hOWIE sUBNICK,
December 8, 2009 2:04 AM

We Are Everywhere!

You are a class act! Or as they say: You are truly a MENCH among MENCHEN! God Bless you.

(123)
Ella Broekhuizen,
December 7, 2009 8:20 PM

brave

I am thankful for your story, and although I am not Jewish myself I think you are brave to do what you are doing and to educate the ones not familiar with the real stories.
May G'd bless you and anoint you with His mighty power and may your work carry lots and lots of fruit!
Ella , from New Zealand.

(122)
Anonymous,
December 7, 2009 8:05 PM

thanks veri interessting

a nice article God bless

(121)
judy bernstein,
December 7, 2009 8:02 PM

Mark,
Hashem should continue to guide you and watch over you.
Check out the story & film of six million paper clips, this amazing story could be your story in the Arab world, you can make a huge difference in how others view an individual.
Judy

(120)
Michael Goland,
December 7, 2009 6:26 PM

Perhaps Helpful Thoughts About You and Your Grandmother

perhaps you canspeak to your maternal grandmother about something of great future importance to you and your future children--her family lineage, as this would initially be a non-religious discussion but would give you some idea of who your maternal grandmother's family is or was, who are your cousins, and where they all came from. This discussion when well developed may give you lots of opportunity to discuss other issues andreligiousa themes, but not as though they came directly from your grandmother. My suspicion is that when your grandmother marriued your grandfather, she may have taken some vow to dissassociate herself from her familyof origin and the Jewish faith; I don't think that careful and respectful questioning using this approach wiull cause her to feel that she is breaking that vow. Along the way, you may teach her what you know about Judaism, which may be much more than she ever knew. Issues would Kol Nidre, the renouncing of vows at the High Holidays, may be if significant interest to her if my suspicions arecorrect. Good Luck and may G-d Bless You.

(119)
Ilana,
December 7, 2009 11:21 AM

Kol Hakavod ve'hatzlocha on your spiritual journey

Mark I am glad you found your way home. There are many Jews out there unaware like you of their Jewish heirtage. Maybe you are a part of the great plan to bring a true peace. It will only happen with an understanding of what Hashem wants from us all. We all have our roles.

(118)
Robin Margolis,
December 6, 2009 5:57 AM

Welcome, There Are Many Jews Like You!

Dear Mark:
I was pleased to read your story. As the leader of the Half-Jewish Network, an international organization for adult children and grandchildren of intermarriage, I hear many similar stories, of people discovering that their partially-Jewish ancestry has been kept a secret from them.
Many blessings on your path.
Cordially,
Robin Margolis

(117)
Sergey Kadinsky,
December 6, 2009 4:22 AM

Could Inspire Others

Perhaps your article could inspire others with a similar background to return to Judaism. Even after the last Jew leaves Yemen, there will be local Muslims claiming Jewish ancestry. Perhaps they will be inspired to return, too.

(116)
Nurit Greenger,
December 4, 2009 2:27 AM

Dig into your heritage.

Mark, before your grandmother passes away, force her to tell you her family entire history story so you can do roots search. Perhaps you can find many relatives living in Israel.
Also, when your father gets mad with you and calls you Zionist, you need to tell him that Grandma Rowaida Mizrachi is a Zionist too.
Your story is like the Chanukah story; although the "blood-line" is pretty thin, there is enough to last not just 8 nights, but perhaps 8 generations and more, henceforth..
I suggest for you to read Elie Wiesel's wonderful collection of essays called ‘Legends of Our Time’ and his book ‘Testament of a Jew from Saragossa’. Welcome to the arms of your Jewish brethrens. One more Jews is saved!

(115)
Vi,
December 3, 2009 8:20 PM

Awesome

What a great experience. I am convinced that this is the way HaShem is using to light the Torah in his people's hearts not the way other religions do it. Baruch HaShem. I am not Jewish but I know that Jews are the vehicle that HaShem will use to bring the world back to HaShem.

(114)
Bruce,
December 3, 2009 6:41 PM

Shalom!

Sounds like you have been guided by the Most Holy One.
Best wishes
Bruce, USA

(113)
elly egenberg,
December 2, 2009 7:17 PM

find a bride asap

you are of marrying age. Find a bride who wants to keep a torah observant home. get the word out . marry into a stable happy family, Good luck. the right wife will not be hard to find but you must start the search in ernest.

(112)
Anonymous,
December 2, 2009 5:00 PM

Welcome

My friend, Baruch Abba

(111)
Anonymous,
December 2, 2009 4:51 AM

A diamond in the rough

This is a great story. Mark is a shining example of love and acceptance. It is a sad people that use Jews as an example such as in the math question. Imagine the love and respect once young Arabs, and others, realize and reject such comments as Jews descending from monkeys and pigs. In my mind I want to think that it is ridiculous that any person in today's world of information could actually believe such stories, but, sadly, it is true. The monkeys and pigs are the politicians that keep this thought afloat. Bless you, Mark, and your endeavors! Praise HaShem for His guiding light.

(110)
Anonymous,
December 1, 2009 7:59 PM

Interesting Surname

A very moving story, indeed. But I was also attracted to the name Halawa, which is known among Sephardic Jews. In my forty-plus years working in Arabic, I never encountered Halawa as a Muslim name!

(109)
richard,
December 1, 2009 5:06 PM

Good for you

Tell your grandmother to jot down her jewish experience as a child so you as her grandson can have that memory forever

(108)
Texas Jew,
December 1, 2009 4:25 PM

Hidden Jews In the West

I really appreciate this story, and hunger for a Dr. Block in my life. My mother's mother is Jewish, as is my father's father --- but I was raised in a different religion, as neither of my parent's families were religious. I've attempted to go to various temples/shuls, but always was embarassed because I did not know how to do anything, so quickly left.

(107)
Anonymous,
November 30, 2009 8:32 AM

Wow!! May Hashem Bless you and keep you safe!! You are quite courageous!! My cousins are also 1/2 Muslim, 1/2 Jewish. Unfortunately, they are ignorant of both religions and influenced by propaganda in the media. You are doing a tremendous Mitzvah, but play it safe and keep a low profile. This is a very heated and dangerous topic in your family and I am sure in your Arab community as well and people are crazy with emotion.

(106)
Harold Codman,
November 30, 2009 1:28 AM

I hope this man can get orher Arabs to realize that the Muslim and Jew are both sides of the same coin,both decendents of Abraham, beleiving in the same God with different bames,

(105)
Matt L,
November 29, 2009 10:16 PM

Great story

Great story. You are very courageous. I'm glad to hear this kind of story on AIsh.com. I work with many Muslims and Jews who are committed to coexistence. We need to reach out to one another.

(104)
Anonymous,
November 29, 2009 7:51 PM

A glimmer of hope in a very dark world! Jerry Solomon

(103)
Wonderful! Baruch HaShem!,
November 29, 2009 7:21 PM

Beautiful!! May HaShem Bless You!

It is truly amazing how the Rebbe's emissaries are always found in the right place, at the right time. Kudos to you for tapping into your Jewish neshama.

(102)
Alexander Münch,
November 29, 2009 6:42 PM

And I was sure that I have a story to tell!...
Welcome home 'Lost Brother' !

(101)
Howard,
November 29, 2009 6:39 PM

Mark, ask your grandmother to write down the family history

Mark,
Ask your grandmother to write down her family history. In this way, she doesn't need to speak about it and she can record it privately and give it to you when it is her time.

(100)
Leah,
November 29, 2009 5:37 PM

Beautiful story

I hope you find lots of peace and love in your new found religion. It must be difficult for your family but hopefully they will understand that you have a Jewish soul.

(99)
Anonymous,
November 29, 2009 5:16 PM

you mention that your grand mother's name is Misrachi
all the Misrachi families are originally from Turkey for
your information

(98)
Sarah Malka Eisen,
November 28, 2009 10:17 PM

kol hakavod!!

Your story was fascinating and very well written. But what I found most impressive was what you did with your unusual background--turned it into creative action. A unique background also brings with it unique responsibilities-ones that only you can fulfill. Yasher Koach for rising to the occasion and wishing you so much hatzlacha on your noble initatives!!

(97)
Nechama,
November 27, 2009 9:56 PM

Uncle Yitzchok

Rabbi Block is my uncle - one of the original Chabad Emissaries of the Lubavitcher Rebbe. He is the father of more Chabad Rabbis and Rebbetzins helping Jews find their way home.
Thank you for sharing this story.

(96)
Elie,
November 27, 2009 7:24 PM

Halawa comes from helw (beautiful or sweet)

You are the best of both world may Hashem protect you

(95)
Wassim,
November 27, 2009 3:42 PM

Allah ma'ak - God is with you

I must confess, I'm a little envious of all the love you seem to have found from Jews. I wish you success in your endeavours, you could help change the world in a practical way. One piece of advice, don't carry the whole world on your shoulders, whatever you manage to achieve will be worthy of our respect and God's love. Go for it, but you alone are worth a million zombies. And as much as those zombies need people like you to emancipate them, don't sacrifice yourself for their sake. They're not all victims of Islam and they're not all interested in truth or enlightenment. Also, don't forget to marry a nice Jewish girl and consolidate on the ground you've conquered. There's more to life than changing the world only to see the same patterns begin to re-emerge. Short memories are prevalent and nothing short of editing the Quran will change arab antisemitism. All the best. You're a star.

(94)
Joyce,
November 27, 2009 4:56 AM

Thanks

As we just cleaned up from our Thanksgiving observance and I now read your story, it particularly resonates. We all have much to be thankful for, but your story really touched me. By finding the Jewish "neshama" that was in you all the time, and using your personal story for the purpose of trying to bridge the gap between Jews and Arabs, I, sitting here in NJ and not knowing you are truly thankful. It takes people who make a choice to be proactive that help improve the world. Thank you for being willing to learn the truth about Judaism, see it's beauty and richness, and share that with others. Yashar Koach!!

(93)
MikeW,
November 26, 2009 11:17 PM

simple acts

Mark - Thank you so much for sharing your story with us. I wish you continued success on your personal journey. I hope that, like your grandmother, you will live your life honoring HaShem by allowing that spark to glow within your soul so that all who meet you can experience the warmth and beauty of your nefesh. Kol HaKavod. Mike in San Antonio

(92)
Mark Halawa,
November 26, 2009 8:15 PM

More of my warm appreciation

Many thanks to everyone's for their support.
I sincerely appreciate the time you spent reading my article and leaving your heartfelt words of encouragement, and prayers.
As you can guess, my journey wasn't as smooth as I described it in the article. But the genuine warmth and acceptance I received, from Jewish communities everywhere, made it all worthwhile. From day one, in the small city of London, Ontario, through Toronto, New York, New Jersey, Boston, Paris, Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Sderot, Settlements, and Kibbutzim; I've built friendships and extended my family, with not a single sour experience, B"H.
I'd like to extend my gratitude to Dr.Block, and Aish HaTorah for the nurturing atmosphere they provided me. At times like these, I humbly ask the Almighty to bring us all back to our roots, and speed the release of Gilad Shalit.
Good Shabbos, Mark H.

(91)
Lesley Harris,
November 26, 2009 7:37 PM

that's a great story , but even more amazed cos Yitzchok Bloch is a cousin of mine !! we don't always realise what an impact we can make by small acts of kindliness .It is so important .

(90)
The Zelunkas,
November 26, 2009 6:18 PM

Great Job Mark!

From the first time you came over for Shabbos as most people, we were fascinated by your story. We are so happy that you have decided to use your story to inspire people and to use your experiences to change the world in a positive way.
Yasher Koach!
The Zelunkas

(89)
Anonymous,
November 26, 2009 6:07 PM

I just Loved this article.. Would Mark (& Dr. Block) be willing to visit BRS in florida and share his story?...I especially love the fact that he is SO YOUNG yet SO WISE....

(88)
Y R,
November 26, 2009 5:05 PM

Dangerous for Mark

Mark says that he is in close contact with his family. I assume this contact is over the phone or if he meets them its in a neutral location. Because wouldn't he be considered an "infidel" and some fanatic would try to get to him?

(87)
Linda,
November 26, 2009 11:15 AM

Wonderful Story

Economic collaboration will be one of the keys to peace. Jordan is a prime example. I will keep Mark in my prayers to keep him safe and pray that he fulfills his endeavors. It will take young people like Mark, with courage and vision, to change attitudes and bring a lasting peace to this region of the world.

(86)
Vicky,
November 26, 2009 1:42 AM

A lesson in tolerance

This article gives us the hope that one day there will be peace.
I hope that in your documentary about the holocaust, it will include the importance of tolerance for all religions and peoples. Included in the story of the holocaust is the bigger lesson that intolerance causes a holocaust. I see some of the emails that have been sent around to try to discredit President Obama and it reminds me of some of the early German progaganda.
Let's work towards peace and tolerance.

(85)
R.C.,
November 26, 2009 12:25 AM

wow

this is one of the most beautiful stories i've read on the aish website

(84)
Naomi,
November 25, 2009 7:02 PM

Unbelievable

Mark, what an amazing story and an amazing person you are to be able to leave everything you grew up with behind. It certainly takes away any excuse I have for not growing or changing certain things I'm used to. And look what Rabbi Block accomplished just from being friendly and warm. We each can do our part....

(83)
Reubin Koton,
November 25, 2009 6:22 PM

It was "bashert" that you would find your roots. Carry on your good work and may HASHEM help and guide you in what you are doing.

(82)
Moriya,
November 25, 2009 3:11 PM

Lubavitcher Chassid

Dr. Block is Emeritus Professor of Philosophy at the University of Western Ontario and a Lubavitcher Chassid. If you put "dr yitzchak block" into google you can watch a video clip of him called "My Encounter with the Rebbe."

(81)
Anonymous,
November 25, 2009 2:56 PM

a jewish soul in a muslim body

I couldn't help but notice the twin tours in one of the photos.
this unique young man could be a bridge between his grandmother's people and the rest.
a blessing on his grandmother for never stop praying as a Jew.

(80)
onnie,
November 25, 2009 5:36 AM

may your footprints be followed by peace among all peoples!

(79)
David Zane Fleisher,
November 25, 2009 3:43 AM

Heroic Thinking--Heroic Actions

Mr. Mark Halawa,
Your article is well spoken.
You are a hero in the most basic sense of the word. You uncovered and saw the truth for what it was.
First: you defied your parent's pressures in light of contrasting facts. Second: you open-minded ly found a way to "do the right thing" by seeking a positive and constructive strategy, as your conscience dictated, to enact actions. Again, against familial and ethnic pressures.
There is another side of the issue that you have embraced. Perhaps your efforts and those of the many-needed others you seek to encourage, in moving forward, could soften hearts and stem the growing tide of the increasing "Witch Hunt" I see presently going on in my country of The United States of America. This Which Hunt danger that is mostly media driven is directed toward our Muslim brothers, sisters and cousins of all nationalities.
All of us should have forebodings for the possible drastic world-wide outcomes of the forces now in play continuing on to their violent ends if no dramatic mind changing is accomplished on all sides.
I pray the light of knowledge and wisdom to continue to shine down upon you.
David Zane Fleisher, member of the Chabad of Port Washington, New York.

(78)
Eliyahu,
November 25, 2009 3:14 AM

Great Story, may G-d bless you!

(77)
Simon,
November 25, 2009 1:42 AM

Aish and Chabad both speading torah

This man, like many others, has his own story. It is heartwarming that he has derived benefit from both Aish and Chabad operations. Too often there is stress between the misnagdim and the followers of the Rebbe /Baal Shem Tov, when really both camps work to spread Torah in their own way.

(76)
Anonymous,
November 25, 2009 1:41 AM

Amazing story. May hashem bless you!

(75)
Ra'anan,
November 24, 2009 11:31 PM

Mizrahi & Jerusalem #2

You should be able trace Zaki Mizrahi's family down in Jerusalem. Try & ask your grandmother for more details (what neighbourhood, what cemetery was he buried in...you want to light a candle on his grave). Once when Arabs came to work in our apt in Jerusalem, I kept getting the "vibes" from one of them, yet I couldn't understand it. Then my wife took me into another room & told me that that one Arab had a Jwsh mother, also from Egypt, who had married a Muslim in the nearby village of Sho'afat. When he'd come alone, I'd lock the door, kiss him & put talith & tefillin on him & say shema' w/him. I'd also blow the shofar...but he felt so doomed. His mother divorced the Muslim & married a Jew very high in Israel politics. The boy himself had married a Muslim woman, but wanted to return to Judaism. He told me his best friend would kill him if knew about his interest. I feel that he is so doomed & trapped, which makes YOUR story even more special. That idea of a Facebook just for your family is a great idea, but w/o those cousins doing Jewish actions like candles, tefillin etc...If I could do it w/a "stranger" from Sho'afat, then you can surely find a way to do so w/your own blood relatives. But always look over your soldier. Near Hebron there are lots of "Arabs" of Jewish origin. Recently one was looking for signs of mezuzoth in the doorways of a certain neighbourhood. Fatah caught him & hung him upside down & beat him for a long time.

(74)
Anonymous,
November 24, 2009 11:30 PM

Mizrahi in Jerusalem #1

Mark, your description of your 1st schul experience just melted me. I work in a Syrian yeshiva in Jerusalem & "Mizrahi" is a very Syrian Jewish name & like super spy Eli Cohen's family, many Syrian Jews moved to Egypt, too. In Arabic "Mizrahi" is "Mishriqi." One of the heads of Hamas is a Dewek, they were forced to convert to Islam years ago & many Jewish-origin families have kids who are taunted as being Yahud. To escape this, many of them became suicide bombers. MANY, MANY Arabs in Israel are of Jewish origin like in the village of Yata. This is also true about the Bedouin. I don't think it is a good idea for those of Muslim background connecting to Judaism to publish their real names online for purposes of safety.

(73)
Anonymous,
November 24, 2009 11:18 PM

What you have gone through is amazing! Hazak Oubaroukh!

(72)
Anonymous,
November 24, 2009 8:12 PM

His uncle is probably Yitzchak Mizrachi

His uncle is probably Yitzchak Mizrachi, who heroically defended the old city and was killed in the war of Independence. Look at the following link and look for the Hebrew words Yitzchak Mizrachi:
http://www.datinet.co.il/1/museum_haishuv_hayashan/20_i.html

(71)
Kip Gonzales,
November 24, 2009 8:05 PM

Wonderful story!

This is a very heartwarming story. I had heard about a young Arab man who visited Auschwitz and wanted to make a documentary about the Shoah for Muslim audiences. I guess it was the author. I wish him Mazel Tov in all he does!

(70)
Anonymous,
November 24, 2009 6:11 PM

What a beautiful story

What a great story. I really admire your courage. Your Jewish ancestors are looking down from heaven and smiling.

(69)
Anonymous,
November 24, 2009 5:30 PM

Inspiring courage

I am in awe of your courage; it's inspiring. I lived in Kuwait for a few years after the first Gulf war, and I found many Kuwaitis who had a positive impression of Israel because it is able to defend itself.

(68)
Margy,
November 24, 2009 4:58 PM

Amazing stor

This story allowed me to have hope that one day the Arab world will accept the Jewish world.

(67)
walter,
November 24, 2009 4:51 PM

so very touching

With tears in my eyes ,hope in my heart that you can make a difference.
The DNA of Judaism what beauty and relevance your story in this rapidly changing universe.

(66)
Anonymous,
November 24, 2009 4:03 PM

Fascinating.

What a fascinating, moving, complicated chronicle. Thank you for contributing these threads of your life to the tapestry of the Jewish experience.

(65)
Miriam,
November 24, 2009 3:05 PM

the Hand of Hashem

Mark, you are being guided by the Hand of Hashem. He blessed you with your unique perspective, your idealism and your strength of will. May he help you create peaceful relationships between Muslims and Jews.

(64)
Gwenn Britt,
November 24, 2009 1:54 PM

You will know

God is of peace. Mark you will find your way. We all have our own destiny. Be still and listen..

(63)
SARAH,
November 24, 2009 12:31 PM

TRACING FAMILY

Mark go onto the JewGen site and put inyour grandmother's family name and it is possible you will find many entries for your family roots.Good luck in your search.

(62)
Adam Neira,
November 24, 2009 10:57 AM

Trust-Building

Fascinating story. His life experience, courage, curiosity and study puts him in a unique position to be a trust-builder between various peoples.

(61)
Temima,
November 24, 2009 10:19 AM

i am sitting here crying and praying for all those lost souls...

just the thought if the mothers/ grandmothers who are in heaven mourning with such grief over their children... there is no end to theri pain.
WE'VE GOT TO DO SOMETHING TO STOP THIS!
each oersn can do in his own way but we have to take responsibilty! WETHER IT BE IN PRAYER, active work or anything else. we must put a stop to this!

(60)
Anonymous,
November 24, 2009 6:18 AM

I read the story while tears in my eyes

The jewish blood is all over the world.We are all jews.like the stars in the skies.welcome back home.

(59)
Robert Walker,
November 23, 2009 10:27 PM

I have the pleasure of knowing Mark- he's an amazing person, and his story should be a lesson that we all have Jewish souls, no matter where we are.
Well done, Mark!

(58)
Aharon -Haroon,
November 23, 2009 9:57 PM

Welcome home, brother.

Good to have you back!

(57)
S. Flamer,
November 23, 2009 9:45 PM

One idea I have for bringing Palestians and Israelis together is a joint development program building housing for people in the West Bank. Not a Jewish settlement, but housing for anyone living there. Possibly low-income housing.
In any case, thanks for sharing your story, and good luck to you!

(56)
Norma Fares,
November 23, 2009 9:39 PM

I love you, Teta Rowaida Mizrahi!

Raised and living in what is known as Arab world, the story of Mark portrays the lives of many people like Mark. Mark's grandmother whose life lies --like the life of all others-- on her family childhood, faith, education and traditions, she had to endure what all others usually don’t. Her Judaism is her sin. Her roots are her guilt.
To you, Teta Rowaida I say بحبك in our native Arabic language! My prayers for God to kindly help your nephew in his blessed mission of Love, Peace and Creativity. Amen! My prayers to God to kindly bring all peoples --whose native innocent hearts have been trained to hate years over years-- to come to you genuinely…to look at your eyes…to tell you منحبك the way you are, our sister in Humanity, the Jewish Teta Rowaida. Amen!
With Faith, please go ahead Mark keeping your brave-loving voice alive so dead societies would breathe again!
Thank you, Aish, for giving us the opportunity to discover another brave voice for Peace that speaks our native Arabic language of Peace!
Norma

(55)
Anonymous,
November 23, 2009 7:49 PM

thank g-d for people like you

I hope you are aware of just how special you are. There are great things in store for you!! I wish you success and strength in your endeavors.

(54)
Anonymous,
November 23, 2009 7:48 PM

More exterme but not surprising .If we hold by halacha many Jews think they are Gentiles and many Gentiles think the are Jews

Great story and welcome home. In one week, a man I work with celebrated his son's bris, born to his wife who had questionable conversion. The same week a woman I know - born to a Jewish mother and a Christian father but raised secularly and married to a Catholic American - held a Christening for her baby girl. I think according to Jewish law the girl getting baptised is Jewish and the baby boy getting the bris is Gentile. I guess God knows who is truly what and will judge accordingly - but it's confusing. I know a Lebanese Christian married to an American Jew. They live and he work in Abu Dahbi. I think his daughters don't know they are Jewish. I have a secular Jewish cousin who married a secular Jewish woman who became a Buddhist. They raised a son named who married an Asian woman. Christopher has no Jewish background at all but I think I should tell him he is a Jew! It's a confusing world.

(53)
Nasif Nahle,
November 23, 2009 6:06 PM

The Ways of Hashem are Infinite

In 1984, I went back to my Jewish roots. My parents were Jews but they kept their secret from the villagers and their children also. So I grew up thinking I was an Arab. My parents sent my brother and I to a college where the Shabbat was respected, but we never questioned our parents why they had sent us to that place. It was not until my days as a university teacher when I found that strange word, "Mizrahi" related to my parents' surname, "Sabag." Then I discovered that it describes Jews living in the Middle East. I couldn't believe that, so I investigated until I found that both my mother and my father were Jews.

(52)
Abraham,
November 23, 2009 4:15 PM

Relativs

Hey,
My maternal grandmother was also from Jerusalem with the last name Mizrachi. Although I assume there were many people by that last name. Perhaps we are distant cousins. Welcome to the family!

(51)
Linda,
November 23, 2009 3:37 PM

They sure are blinded about who is the source of all evil

The word of G-d and the laws that are practiced all over the world were given to the Jews first, He chose them to be first to be contacted by a caring, loving G-d, If they had not been given, there would be chos in the world, the deterioration of our cultures is the result of ignoring Him and them. It's easier to hate and believe bad things about others, It all comes from our stinking pride which comes from hell. I hope you can turn some around now that you are whole...Thanks for your story, Muslims are not on Americas love list all we know about them is that they want to kill everyone not like them, Like they have a religon to envy? I don't think so. I'll stick with my loving God.

(50)
Anonymous,
November 23, 2009 1:06 PM

GOD BLESS YOU....

I am a Christian and I admired you for being proud of your Jewish heritage... I long also to visit Israel to feel His divine Presence in that place, We pray for the peace of Jerusalem and the nation of Israel,God guide you in all your undertakings, SHALOM...

(49)
Esther,
November 23, 2009 12:03 PM

Kol Hakavod!

Mark, even though I know your story, you artculated it really well and in a very moving way. Like I've always told you, your story is inspirational and you are bound to do great things!

(48)
Kasim Hafeez,
November 23, 2009 11:55 AM

Inspiring - just what I needed

This story has really made my day, as a born Muslim in the process of conversion, this has been a great eye opener and has really made me proud. Its an honour to be on this path, although difficult and at many times lonely as the Jewish community where I am is so small. This has really made me smile. Thank you

(47)
Anonymous,
November 23, 2009 11:47 AM

Familysecrets

My father's mother, my grandmother, had a family secret when she died. She wanted to confess it before her death, to my elder sister who was in Israel that time. Maybe it was about my father's circumcision and his Jewish name. My grandmother told that her parents wanted to be ordinary Finns, at the time Finland belonged to Russia. Her parents knew many languages, but started to speak only Finnish. What I know about the Judaism is relevant to my grandmother's character and to my father.
I am very happy about this story that expresses the confrontation of a Jewish family secret.

(46)
malien,
November 23, 2009 10:46 AM

I salute you. I was blessed to read your very encouraging story. We pray that all Jews hiding out there have the courage to know the roots of their faith. I am a Filipino working in Israel and I'm a lover of Israel and the Jewish people.

(45)
Sarah,
November 23, 2009 9:21 AM

May HaShem continue to bless you!

As a b'aal teshuva, I have had challenges with my Jewish family who is not yet observant (imagine a Jewish daughter who can no longer eat her mother’s chicken soup because it’s not kosher!) — I cannot imagine what is like for you regarding your family, the sensitivity it takes to be loving toward them while maintaining proper boundaries in order to continue on your path. You have my deepest admiration, respect and prayers for continued success. May you be blessed with only revealed good materially and spiritually. Clearly, everything happens by divine providence – and you are a part of the plan for ushering in Moshiach, may it be speedily in our days.

(44)
koby,
November 23, 2009 7:36 AM

family page on facebook

As you know, you have done a major spiritual repair for your whole family already. Consult with a rabbi about how or when to speak to the various family members. It would be cool to have a facebook page just for the family. that way, perhaps, you could put photos and explanations of what their real history is. for example, a family tree page with their names and photos showing exactly how they come from a Jewish woman and thereby go back to our forefathers. Your story is very touching. may you have success in your endeavors!

(43)
Cheryl Unterslak,
November 23, 2009 7:13 AM

The pintele yid

I pray that the Almighty will bless this very brave young man with strength and wisdom in abundance!!

(42)
Dina,
November 23, 2009 7:11 AM

amazing- just be careful

Your story is amazing. Kudos for taking the very daring path towards Judaism that you have taken. You have a fresh, empowered spirit to bring much needed clarity to a world that refuses to see the truth. Just be careful and cautious!

(41)
Anonymous,
November 23, 2009 6:17 AM

monotheism

Very few Jews probably have the understanding of monotheism which you have.

(40)
Harvey,
November 23, 2009 6:15 AM

you are a special person

I found your life story so moving. You are now inspired to achieve true peace between Jews and Arabs on a national level (even though it has existed on a personal level, as shown by your grandparents marriage. Good luck.

(39)
Middle_Noahide_Eastern,
November 23, 2009 4:22 AM

Light unto the Naotions

Mazal Tov Mark. As a Noahide I believe in the " Light unto the Nations". You had this light with you. Hashem has plan for the darkest of the days with the most mazing sparks of light.

(38)
Carlo Muaya,
November 23, 2009 3:59 AM

Super Story

Super great Story! I'm not a Jewish, I wish I was, you are lucky. I have to tell you, my tears pouring and nose running while reading your story. I am an Indonesian and love Israel, I get to know them from the Bible. Please let us know your progress!

(37)
Avigayil,
November 23, 2009 2:17 AM

Thanks - we need more like this

Thanks for sharing your story. We need more people like you in this world to make peace.

(36)
Annette L,
November 23, 2009 2:12 AM

and so many of us returning, Thank G-d

Welcome Home

(35)
Jennifer,
November 23, 2009 2:11 AM

Welcome to the tribe!

Mark, what an incredible discovery. It's so wonderful that you are reaching out to Muslims who have been misinformed about Jews. You have a unique position that most of us don't hold, and I wish you the world of success. You're a great example of a Jew to your family and friends, and you should be very proud.

(34)
Beverly Kurtin,
November 23, 2009 12:17 AM

Welcome back

It's funny, but the majority of Arabs believe that Jews are terrible people, descended from animals. But, as you have discovered, we're just fellow human beings who wish one thing: Peace. The reason that Israel has flourished as it has while surrounded by people who are hostile to Israel's very existence should be a sign to the Arab world that we're doing something right. I long for the day when all Jews and Arabs will be able to live in peaceful acceptance of each other. But that will take a willingness of the Arab dictators to permit their people to live under the rule of law as Israel has done since its conception. Arab dictators are going to have to be willing to step down first and give their own people freedom of thought and action something I don't think we will live to see. It is counter-productive for the Arab world to try to isolate and destroy the one productive country in their midsts. When the day comes that we can all be friends, the Arab world will prosper as never before. Although I don't expect to see it in my lifetime, I would gladly welcome any Arab as a friend as I heartily welcome Mark!

(33)
Lynn,
November 22, 2009 11:37 PM

You are a Brave and Beautiful Person!

I wish you success in your noble aspirations. As a Jew, I feel privileged that you have returned to us. A warm and hearty welcome home!

(32)
Ella Morgan,
November 22, 2009 11:26 PM

May you be filled with boldness & wisdom

May you be the key to unlocking the truth of Judaism to your Arab brothers and to Ephraim. I have not been raised Jewish or of the House of Israel, but believe I have a Jewish soul. Many blessings and much Shalom.

(31)
Uri Yitzchak,
November 22, 2009 9:29 PM

...Welcome Home Mark

(30)
Jewish Mama,
November 22, 2009 9:03 PM

Thank you for sharing your story

This is such an amazing story. May you be blessed all along the way as you journey in and may you have success with the programs you want to create. I hope we will see a true and lasting peace in our lifetime.

(29)
Jackson,
November 22, 2009 8:53 PM

Please credit Chabad

Dr. Block a Lubavitcher Chasid was sent by the Rebbe to stay in London close to five decades ago.

(28)
Zvi Braunstein,
November 22, 2009 8:22 PM

Insha-alla

What a great story.You may very well be the spark (start) of a mission that need and must be taken for the sake of current and future generations. I sincerely hope you have what it takes as well as the will to do something about it.

(27)
Anonymous,
November 22, 2009 8:15 PM

BEAUTIFUL

What a beautiful journey, becoming a Jew by choice, I also have a Jewish background (paternal) my family too don't like to discuss our Jewish roots and so even the simplest of family information were they Ashkenazi or Sephardi ... is lost to me, I do hope your Grandmother opens up and shares, it is so comforting to have a family connection. So fully appreciate the emotion and excitement (little sadness as what was lost) you experienced in re-establishing your roots, may you go from strength to strength.

(26)
Fernando Bahamonde,
November 22, 2009 8:07 PM

I hope that in the near future all of us whom are looking to find our hebrew roots have success

Your history is the same for many people around the world; and like you we were waiting to meet someone to light our Hebrew heritage; what Dr. Block said is true “All it takes is for another Jew to bump into him and light it up." I hope to meet someone like Dr. Block.

(25)
lyle,
November 22, 2009 8:03 PM

you put a tear in my eye

very inspirational..

(24)
Rachel,
November 22, 2009 7:44 PM

Welcome home, Mark

What a beautiful story, by a beautiful man. His grandmother is certainly not the first Jewish woman to marry a Muslim -- Mohamed himself had a Jewish wife. How horrifying and tragic that even secular Arabs in "moderate" countries are being raised with these vile lies about Israel and the Jewish people.

(23)
Barak,
November 22, 2009 7:42 PM

Simply Amazing!

What a wonderful story! You obviously have a remarkable intellect as well as heart, being able to process your background in the shadow of the education you received... I admire you for your willingness to commit to projects that would bring the 2 worlds closer together (Muslim and Jewish). I pray for your success. Additionally, respectfully, I would advise you to take precautions for your safety. In these emotionally charged times, we have seen that it only takes one irrational person with evil intent to create great damage.
Please be very careful. Thank you for sharing this great personal journey with us!

(22)
Safiyyah,
November 22, 2009 7:05 PM

Beautiful story of interfaith love and connection

This beautiful story is a reflection of how much we all have in common, of how all of our roots are intertwined.

(21)
Miriam,
November 22, 2009 6:44 PM

Wow!

Wild story! I'm curious about an issue you didn't adress: Arab treatment of women. Is it as horrific and unbelievable as it sounds? What's the truth with that?

(20)
Ruth,
November 22, 2009 6:20 PM

Kol Hakavod, Dr. Block

During the years we lived in London, Ontario, we grew to know, love and respect Yitzchok and Lily Block. They are truly amazing people. Every Shabbat, they open their home to any number of students, searchers and human flotsam looking for a meal or meaning in their lives. Thank you for telling me about yet another life they touched.

(19)
Anonymous,
November 22, 2009 6:15 PM

I wish you success in your endevour to promote peace.

Please kindly take your personal safty seriously. As Sulaman Rushdie has protected himself by only by staying out of the publics mistrustfull eyes. Stigmas are hard to shake loose so you may find doubting thomassas on both side of the divide.How is your grandmother taking your plans?

(18)
ruth,
November 22, 2009 6:07 PM

what befalls....

this is a beautiful story that is about circling, and I am so happy you discovered, not only your roots, but that in taking the journey, the "route" you surely followed to finding yourself in Judaism, you are able to deal with your story in ways that are beautiful and entirely, about love.
I wrote to a friend today about falling and we use this word in English a lot, as in "falling in love". Perhaps that fall was fated, as it brought you forward as one gold thread in a beautiful story you can claim as surely, yours!
keep this music going!

(17)
Lin,
November 22, 2009 5:55 PM

very touching

I enjoyed Mark's life story and found it very touching.
I am a Christian and love people from all backgrounds.
The Almighty is ever present, caring and loving people. Deep is calling out to deep in one's soul.

(16)
Yochanan,
November 22, 2009 5:48 PM

Tshuvah!!!

The Almighty is bringing us all back from the multitudes to our roots.

(15)
Anonymous,
November 22, 2009 5:42 PM

I greatly admire you. What you are doing is promoting peace by dispelling misconceptions from a unique perspective. It is a great mitzvah.
Thank you.

(14)
Aviva,
November 22, 2009 5:33 PM

Amazing story

Kudos to you on your courage to follow your path. Wish you every success in your endeavors. Maybe you'll also come to Israel and help bring back the Jews living as Muslims both from current intermarriage and forcible conversion over the centuries. There are whole villages like this in Israel.

(13)
Anonymous,
November 22, 2009 5:31 PM

His wonderful personal story can be dramatized in documentary

well done!

(12)
Linda Rivera,
November 22, 2009 5:16 PM

The story made me cry. Many people don't know they are Jews.

I prayed that Mark's grandmother will tell Mark about her family and that Mark will be able to contact and have relationships with his grandmother's relatives. How wonderful that will be!

(11)
Chana M.,
November 22, 2009 5:08 PM

Remarkable...

It's wonderful that you were able to find and connect with your Jewish roots. It's also very remarkable how you've grown in your Judaism and taken on the missions you have. It takes a tremendous amount of courage to try to properly educate the misinformed masses in this regard. Keep up the good work.

(10)
Pam Coyle,
November 22, 2009 5:03 PM

You are a key to peace

I admire you so much for going ahead with trying to improve Arab-Israeli relations. I am a convert to Judaism because my husband found out he was adopted and had Jewish roots, lighting the spark Dr. Block talked about. I have a website which is a free literal translation of prayers into phonetic English, line by line with Hebrew, which I did using an etymologic dictionary written by a Holocaust survivor.

(9)
Joan Zia Kahn,
November 22, 2009 4:50 PM

Amazing story as so many Jewish stories are!

Welcome to the Tribe and we look forward to great things from you, Mark. You are in a truly unique position to accomplish wonderful things!

(8)
julie,
November 22, 2009 4:44 PM

thank you telling your story

thank you for sharing your personal story. May the Almighty give you the strength and peace of mind to continue your important mission.

(7)
Susan Bender,
November 22, 2009 4:32 PM

Peace - one person at a time

I am touched by your discovery that much of what you were taught by precious parents was, in fact, racist and backward. Whether you chose to be a Jew or not, I'm happy that you had the opportunity to have your eyes opened. Please keep in touch with Aish about the progress of your movie.

(6)
Susan,
November 22, 2009 4:19 PM

An important mission

You are in an enviable position. There are no accidents. You discovered your true roots and have found your mission in life. Such important work with the potential for changing the world. No small thing that. I wish you Godspeed.

(5)
Ike Semaya,
November 22, 2009 4:16 PM

Great enlightment from Makk Halawa.

It is very interesting that the Muslim world continues to teach that Jews are descended from monkeys and pigs. In other words the father of the Muslim world Abraham is being described as a MONKEY or a PIG by the Muslin world!!!
That is some religion.

(4)
Anonymous,
November 22, 2009 3:36 PM

Amazing

Absolutely astounding! Who knows how many jews are stuck defending their 'Muslim' faith and family!!!

(3)
Yoel Calek (London),
November 22, 2009 1:37 PM

Arabic Holocaust movie

I am moved in every way and would like to (and can) help Mark produce the movie.
I do hope he/someone there will be in touch.

(2)
Ekpe Ndiyo,
November 22, 2009 10:01 AM

ALL IN GOD'S PLAN

Your article is very interesting. I believe it's all in God's plan. There are many like you who will now use your testimony to help break the barriers between the Jews and the Arabs, who afterall are brothers. Your planned documentary of the holocaust in Arabic will also go a long way in providing the truth to the hundreds of millions of Arabs who had been deceived. This is a very important task you have undertaken. I thank you family for their support and understanding, which is highly unexpected in issues like this. I pray that God provide you with the strength, courage, wisdom and protection in your assigment. Shalom!

(1)
Alejandro Levy,
November 22, 2009 9:28 AM

It must be hard!

I can imagine what it must be like for a person to discover that they belong to another faith after been brought up under another. I have been wanting to make a similar program for over a year now and I believe we could help many other people to live in peace. Thank you for sharing this with the rest of us.
Alejandro